Nervous Tissue

Neurons and glial cells make up the two cell types that make up nervous tissue. The nervous system’s ability to compute and communicate is provided by neurons. To interact with target cells and with each other, they release chemical signals and are electrically active. Much smaller than neurons, glial cells—also known as glia or neuroglia—support nerve tissue. In addition to enhancing signal transmission in neurons and shielding them from infections, glial cells also uphold the extracellular environment around neurons. Current studies also indicate that the number of glial cells is equal to that of neurons and that they are capable of sending messages on their own.

12.2 Nervous Tissue